Veteran FB clears way for Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Tony Richardson knew the jokes were coming as soon as he got to the sideline.

The Associated Press

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Tony Richardson knew the jokes were coming as soon as he got to the sideline.

The Jets' fullback had just rumbled for 14 yards against Tennessee last Sunday for his longest run since 2002, back when some of the younger players knew of him only from video games.

"They said I looked like the old T-Rich from the Tecmo Bowl days," Richardson said with a smile Friday. "That was pretty funny and they razzed me a little bit, but it's all out of respect."

Richardson, who turns 37 in a few weeks, has earned it by making a living of popping linebackers and creating holes for running backs to zip through during his 14 NFL seasons. The three-time Pro Bowl fullback has helped pave the way for four 1,000-yard rushers, with Thomas Jones just 50 yards away from joining Richardson's exclusive club.

"Oh, man, he's the best fullback in the league, hands down," Jones said. "He comes off the ball, he hits guys, he can catch, he can run. He can do it all."

Richardson is satisfied being the man in front of The Man in the backfield, and realizes it's a job not suited for everyone.

"You've kind of got to be a different type of person to want to go in there and smash people," he said. "I enjoy it and that's why I still play this game."

Richardson, whose career began on Dallas' practice squad in 1994, helped Priest Holmes to three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Kansas City from 2001-03, and Larry Johnson in 2005. He did it again the following season in Minnesota with Chester Taylor, and was instrumental in Adrian Peterson becoming a star with 1,341 yards as a rookie last season.

"What I really liked about Tony prior to him getting here was his ability to always find his man," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "It may not have the same thump as it once did, but he's very effective at finding the person he's supposed to block, getting him taken care of and giving the back a chance."

Richardson signed with New York in the off-season in a move largely overshadowed by the Jets' other big acquisitions, such as Brett Favre, Kris Jenkins, Alan Faneca and Calvin Pace. But, the effect of Richardson's presence has been clear. After struggling to be consistent last season, the Jets are ranked in the top 10 in rushing and are averaging 131.2 yards rushing per game — almost 25 yards more than last year.

"It makes a humongous difference when you have a fullback like Tony Richardson in front of you," Jones said.

Jones is on pace for a career high in yards rushing, while Leon Washington has established himself as one of the league's best change-of-pace backs.

"If it's T.J. or Leon and I feel a wind go by my legs," Richardson said, "then that means I've been able to do my job successfully."

There was a brief time in 2000 when Richardson was the Chiefs' main ballcarrier, gaining a career-high 697 yards rushing and catching 58 passes for 468 yards.

"I used to get hit all the time then," he said. "As a fullback, you get a chance to deliver the blows. I enjoy this."

And, no, he shouldn't expect his carries to increase after his longest run since going 14 yards for a touchdown in 2002.